The Premier League's Top 5 transfer deals of the summer so far

The vast majority of Premier League clubs have set off on pre-season tours across the globe over the past few days, with less than a month until the 2016-17 campaign kicks off.

Managers will want their new signings to settle in quickly, but they'll also be looking to make some more additions in order to further improve their squads before the transfer window closes on August 31.

Combined, over £450 million has already been spent by the 20 English top-flight teams this summer, in comparison to last summer's total of £870 million. So, let's take a look at the five best and most significant deals thus far.

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5. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Manchester United)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been the biggest star to move to the Premier League after he agreed a one-year deal with Manchester United. The 34-year-old is a man who needs no introduction, having won titles and scored bundles of goals wherever he's been.

The world-class striker arrives at Old Trafford on the back of a record-breaking 50-goal season with Paris Saint-Germain and is relishing the prospect of working with Jose Mourinho once again.

Even though he will only be at United for a short time, his lasting impact could be huge if he is able to fire the Red Devils to silverware and impart some knowledge to exciting young forwards Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.

Fans will have to wait a little longer for the maverick to make his debut, since Mourinho has decided to rest the ex-Swedish captain for the club's upcoming tour of China.

4. Nampalys Mendy (Leicester City)

Nampalys Mendy became Leicester City's third summer signing when he moved from Nice for a reported £13 million. The 24-year-old knows Claudio Ranieri well, having helped Monaco earn promotion to Ligue 1 under the Italian manager three years ago.

Mendy is a defensive midfielder who loves a tackle, keeps things ticking over in the middle of the park and who passes the ball in a simple yet effective manner.

The Frenchman, along with new PSG winger Hatem Ben Arfa, starred for Nice last term and helped them to a fourth-placed finish - their equal-best since the 1975-76 season.

Mendy has been likened to the legendary Claude Makelele, and with N'Golo Kante's recent departure, his physical presence will be even more important for the champions next year.

3. Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City)

Manchester City needed to freshen up their midfield, as both Yaya Toure and Fernandinho are the wrong side of 30, and they did exactly that with the signing of Ilkay Gundogan for around £20 million.

Fitness is a major issue for the former Borussia Dortmund man, and he will miss the first few weeks of the season recovering from a dislocated knee, however there is no doubting his talent. The 25-year-old star is blessed with vision, technical quality, a classy passing range and a keen eye for goal.

Gundogan has proved for many years now that he has the ability to succeed at the highest level, both in the Bundesliga and the German national team, but now he must make his mark in English football.

The intelligent playmaker can operate in a deep-lying position, an orthodox central role or as an attacking midfielder, and that tactical versatility could be vital for new City boss Pep Guardiola.

2. N'Golo Kante (Chelsea)

On Saturday, Chelsea completed the massive signing of Kante from Leicester for a fee believed to be £32 million. The 25-year-old midfielder was exceptional last season and the driving force behind the Foxes' remarkable title-winning campaign.

The absolute workhorse never stops running and never gives the opposition time on the ball. Kante, who made more tackles and interceptions than any other Premier League player last season, is strong, full of aggression and reads the game very well.

The French international helped his country to the Euro 2016 Final and Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo claimed "he is a perfect fit in terms of Antonio Conte's philosophies and the style of football he wants to play".

Kante described his switch to Stamford Bridge as "a dream come true" and he'll be hoping to replicate the displays he produced at the King Power Stadium.

1. Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Manchester United)

The number one signing of the summer so far is Man United new-boy Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who joined the FA Cup winners from Dortmund for an undisclosed fee. The 27-year-old is a fantastic acquisition for Mourinho's side and even more important than the crowd-pleasing capture of Ibrahimovic.

United have desperately lacked pace and width since the days of Sir Alex Ferguson, and Mkhitaryan, who can play as a number ten or out wide, can provide both. Not only is he quick, but he's also creative, skilful, excellent at finding space and technically gifted.

The Armenia skipper oozes sophistication when he's on the pitch, as he showed in his impressive debut performance at Wigan Athletic on Saturday.

United supprters will hope that he can recreate the form which saw him crowned Bundesliga Players' Player of the Year after 23 goals and an incredible 32 assists in all competitions last term.

Which player has been the signing of the summer so far? Have YOUR say in the comments box below!

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